BOYS BASKETBALL: Sciolla's second year at Bristol could possibly be tougher than first

By STEVE SHERMAN, Bucks Local Sports

Thursday, December 6, 2012

This, Bristol boys basketball coach Frank Sciolla’s second year coaching the Warriors, could possibly be tougher than the first.

Formerly the Pennsbury coach before taking over at Bristol last year, Sciolla takes the Warriors into action Friday night without the services of Morray Kanneh, Kennedy Davis, Charles Gale, Eric Deshield and Mike Maguire. All have graduated.

Bristol is hosting its own tournament, tipping off with Faith Christian against Conwell-Egan Catholic in a 5:30 p.m. matchup while the Warriors take on Morrisville in the late game.

While it was nice, the hopes and goals of Sciolla’s team were pinched by the Bristol football team’s run to states this year. A few more weeks of football meant the coach had to wait for the likes of Ryan Rigby, Trevor Leone and the brothers Coughlin — Sean and Aidan — to return to the hardwood.

“It’s going to take us about a month to get rolling but if we can get things rolling by Jan. 1, we have a chance to be pretty good,” the coach said. “We may not pass the eye test but our skill level has improved and we have an idea how we wanna play.”

In addition to a bump up to the bigger and badder Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) Independence Division, the Warriors are now in a league with perennial power Devon Prep and new entry Church Farm School.

Last season, Bristol emerged victorious in just two of its first seven games but went on a streak that included wins in 14 of 16 matchups including a 53-49 triumph over Springfield MontCo in the BAL Tournament quarterfinals.

“We’re looking for Chad Palmer and Ryan Rigby to have another nice season — Trevor Leone,” said Sciolla. “They all had positive experiences last year on varsity.”

Question Marks: Size No player is over 6’2. The loss of four senior starters and is still looking for a player that can dunk the ball. Overall athleticism must improve.

OUTLOOK: Due to the addition of a cyber school on campus, we now have more boys, and we have bumped up to AA. Sadly, none of the cyber students play basketball. However, Sciolla and his team is excited to play in a new division of the BAL, powered by traditional power Holy Ghost and international magnet school, Church Farm.

COACH: Frank Sciolla; Second year at Bristol.

COACH’S QUOTE: “There will be great games every night, and we would love a chance to secure another league championship.”